The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced that it is on the verge of achieving full crude oil production capacity, attributing the progress to strengthened collaboration with security and intelligence agencies.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during the opening of the maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit.
Ojulari said the improvement was the outcome of a sustained and deliberate partnership between the oil and gas sector and Nigeria’s defence and security institutions.
“Not too long ago, our crude oil receipts through pipelines and terminals had dropped dangerously low, sometimes to as little as 20 to 30 per cent.
“That was a period when pipeline vandalism, crude theft, illegal refineries and sabotage became rampant.
“Today, I can proudly report to you all that our production and receipts are now attaining close to 100 per cent.
“Thanks to the professionalism, discipline and collaborative spirit of our security and intelligence agencies, particularly in stabilising the Niger Delta,” he said.
He highlighted that NNPCL had directly witnessed the impact of military operations, intelligence-led interventions, and joint patrols in protecting vital energy assets.
“These successes would not have been possible without the immense and intentional efforts of our government, the armed forces and our intelligence community.
“Their sacrifices have created the enabling environment for oil and gas operations to thrive once again,” Ojulari added.
The NNPCL chief also pointed out that threats to energy infrastructure extend beyond local actors, noting that oil theft and related crimes involve sophisticated international networks.
He said, “oil theft and its attendant illegal activities are by no means purely localised. They involved sophisticated international syndicates that exploit gaps in the national, regional and continental security architecture to conduct illicit operations.”
Ojulari therefore urged stronger regional and continental cooperation, stressing that energy security must be regarded as a collective strategic priority.
“It is therefore imperative that forums such as this summit are encouraged, with a view to strengthening strategic, tactical and operational collaboration within the continent.
“Together we can safeguard Africa’s resources, reinforce peace, and create an enabling environment for prosperity for our people,” he said.
He reaffirmed NNPCL’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with military and intelligence agencies, pledging that the oil and gas industry in Nigeria would continue to support continental defence initiatives.
“At NNPC Limited, we hold this partnership in the highest regard.
“We stand ready to complement and cooperate with defence and security institutions, not just for Nigeria’s sake, but for Africa’s collective growth and stability,” Ojulari stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the summit, themed “Combating contemporary threats to regional peace and security in Africa: the role of strategic defence collaboration,” brought together representatives from 36 countries.
President Bola Tinubu was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, while UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivered the keynote address.
Leaders of the African Union, ECOWAS, ministers, lawmakers, and former and current defence chiefs were also in attendance.
